US Soldier Who Fled to North Korea Sentenced to One Year, Dishonorably Discharged

Travis King, the U.S. soldier who fled to North Korea in 2023, has been sentenced to one year of confinement and received a dishonorable discharge from the military. The 24-year-old Army private had faced charges of desertion, along with assaulting a non-commissioned officer. However, after credit for time served and good behavior, King walked free, according to his legal team.

At a hearing held at Fort Bliss, Texas, King pleaded guilty to five of the 14 charges brought against him, while the remaining charges were dropped. King explained to the court that his decision to desert the U.S. Army stemmed from dissatisfaction with his role. “I wanted to desert from the U.S. Army and never come back,” King told military judge Lt. Col. Rick Mathew, revealing that he had contemplated leaving for about a year before crossing into North Korea.

King’s defense also pointed to his struggles with mental health, though he confirmed he was fit to stand trial. His lawyer, Franklin Rosenblatt, stated that King “accepts full responsibility” for his actions, adding that his client faced numerous challenges, including a difficult upbringing, exposure to crime, and mental health issues, all of which exacerbated his problems in the military.

King’s journey to North Korea began after he illegally crossed the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) during a civilian tour in 2023. At the time, North Korean media claimed he fled due to “inhuman treatment” and racism in the U.S. military. He became the first American detained in North Korea in nearly five years and was held for two months before being released after intense diplomatic efforts.

Following his return to the U.S., King faced a series of military charges, but his sentence was reduced significantly after negotiations with prosecutors. While King is now free, his lawyer noted that the negative public perception will be a lasting burden for him.